The acropolis in Athens was a military fortress during the Neolithic period, due to its position which offers a great view of the land and the sea.
During the Mycenaean times, it became a religious centre, dedicated to the worship of the goddess Athena. It is said that the place was declared a province only to the gods by an oracle, and therefore stopped being inhabited by the people.
Map of the Acropolis of Athens
The three temples of major importance, the Parthenon, the Erechteion and the Temple of Nike, were erected during the classical period (450-330 B.C.) on the remains of earlier temples. All three of them are dedicated to different aspects of the Goddess Athena.
Parthenon in the Acropolis of Athens
The Persians destroyed the Acropolis during the battle of Salamina in 480 B.C. The founder of the Athenian democracy, Pericles, was the one who rebuilt it under the form it has kept until today.
In Athens we visited the following places of the Acropolis and the districts of Monastiraki and Plaka:
- Theatre of Dionysos
- Theatre of Herodes Atticus
- The Propylea
- Erectheion
- Parthenon
- Viewpoint of the Acropolis
- Temple of Athena Nike
- Ancient Agora
- Hadrian's Library
- Arch of Hadrian
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Panathenaic or Kallimarmaro Stadium
- Monastiraki
- Roman Agora
- Plaka
Theatre of Dionysos
Theatre of Dionysos beside the Acropolis of Athens
Theatre of Herodes Atticus
Theatre of Herodes Atticus is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis
The Propylea
The Propylea is on the same line as the Parthenon, and is the monumental gateway to the Acropolis in Athens.
The Propylea is the gateway to the Acropolis
Erectheion
The Erectheion is an amazing example of the Ionic architecture, composed by three different basic parts which are the main temple, the northern and the southern porches
A closer view of the Caryatids in the Erectheion, one of the three most important temples in the Acropolis of Athens
Overview of the Erectheion in the Acropolis
Parthenon
This monument is the symbol of the Ancient Greek civilization. It is the most important monument until today. It was dedicated to the patron goddess of the city, Athena, since Parthenon means also the apartment of the virgin. Athena was the goddess of wisdom, war and also a virgin.
The Parthenon is located on the top of the Acropolis hill. It was created at the time of Pericles golden age, by the architect Iktinos and with the help of Kallikrates.
The Parthenon is a fine example of the Doric architectural style, and is made of 8 Doric columns on each of the narrow sides and 17 columns on each of the long side
The famous Athenian sculptor Phedias was the supervisor of the construction of the Parthenon
The central part of the Parthenon used to have a pool of water and to shelter a 40 feet high statue of Athena, made of gold and ivory
From this point of the Acropolis you can see, on the left, the Parthenon and, on the right, the Erectheion
Viewpoint of the Acropolis
The Ancient Agora from the Acropolis in Athens
Lycabettus Hill in Athens from the Acropolis
Temple of the Olympian Zeus in Athens from the viewpoint of the Acropolis
Temple of Athena Nike
Temple of Athena Nike in the Acropolis of Athens
Arios Pagos hill near the Acropolis in Athens
Acropolis in Athens from Arios Pagos Hill
Ancient Agora
Ancient Agora in Athens from the Acropolis
Acropolis from the Ancient Agora in Athens
Temple of Hephaistos in the Ancient Agora of Athens
Map of the Ancient Agora in Athens where the Hadrian's Library and the Roman Agora appear too
After leaving the Ancient Agora we had lunch in this street of Monastiraki
We had lunch at a restaurant in Monastiraki beside the exit of the Agora, and after eating, we walked through this neighborhood of Athens and visited the library of Hadrian.
Library of Hadrian in Athens
Hadran's Library in Athens
We left to visit the remains of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, which was restored for the Olympic Games.
Arch of Hadrian
The Acropolis of Athens through the Arch of Hadrian
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Some of the remaining columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
Overview of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens
Panathenaic or Kallimarmaro Stadium
Panathenaic Stadium in Athens
Panathenaic Stadium is called Kallimarmaro Stadium too
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is a picturesque neighbourhood in the heart of Athens. It is famous for its Neoclassical houses, the ancient sites and the open market with souvenirs and antique shops.
Monastiraki square is a really lively place in Athens
From Monastiraki square you can see the Acropolis of Athens
One of the pedestrian streets of Monastiraki in Athens
Roman Agora
Roman Agora in Plaka
Plaka
Plaka is the most picturesque quarter in the heart of Athens. Paved streets, Neoclassical houses and gift shops distinguish this relaxing neighbourhood.
Restaurant in Erotokritou street in Plaka district in Athens
Lisiou street is probably the best known place in Plaka district in Athens
We had lunch in this old taverna in Mnisikleous street in Plaka
Mnisikleous street is a typical street of Plaka district in Athens
Adrianou street in Plaka district in Athens
From here we took the tram and then the metro back to our hotel, where we had dinner again with fantastic views of the Acropolis.
Acropolis lit at night
Acropolis from the top of Stanley Hotel in Athens
Day 1 - Crete: Chania
- Beach of Agios Apostoli
- Venetian Port
- Splantzia (Turquish Quarter)
- Jewish Quarter
Day 2 - Crete
Day 3 - Crete: Rethymnon and Heraklion
- Venetian Port in Rethymnon
- Loggia, Rimondi fountain and streets of the old town of Rethymnon
- Fortress of Rethymnon
- Venetian Port of Heraklion
Day 4 - Crete
Day 5 - Santorini
- Hellenic Seaways ferry from Heraklion to Santorini
- Sunset in Oia
Day 6 - Santorini
- Fira
- Excursion to Nea Kameni and Volcano
- Beach of Perissa (black beach)
- Sunset in Firostefani
Day 7 - Santorini
- Red Beach, White Beach and Black Beach
- Sunset in Fira
Day 8 - Mykonos
- Hellenic Seaways ferry from Santorini to Mykonos
- Mykonos Town
- Windmills and Little Venice
Day 9 - Mykonos
- Delos Island
- Paraportiani Church in Mykonos Town
- Beach of Agios Ioannis
- Little Venice
Day 10 - Mykonos
Day 11 - Mykonos Town
- Mykonos Town
- Blue Star ferry to Athens
Day 12 - Athens
- Acropolis
- Ancient Agora
- Hadrian's Library
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Panathenaic Stadium
- Monastiraki District
Day 13 - Athens
- Roman Agora
- Plaka District
- Istanbul and Cappadocia
- Rome and The Vatican
- Florence in Tuscany
- Venice
- Dubrovnik, beaches and coast of Croatia
- Neum, Pocitelj and Mostar in Bosnia Herzegovina
Nice information! I live in Thessaloniki and I visited Athens and Acropolis last summer for the third time in my life. This monument is impressing! I booked a guided tailor made tour and I was so excited about this experience https://www.discovergreekculture.com/tailor-made-tours/
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